Avionics: The Technology that Powers Modern Aviation
Avionics refers to the electronic systems and devices used
in aviation, including aircraft communications, navigation, and monitoring
equipment. The term "avionics" is a portmanteau of
"aviation" and "electronics." The technology has evolved
significantly over the years and has played a critical role in improving flight
safety, efficiency, and comfort. This essay explores the history of avionics,
its various applications, and its impact on modern aviation.
The History of
Avionics
Avionics has its roots in the early 20th century when radios
were first used for communication between pilots and ground control. The first
radios used in aviation were large, heavy, and had limited range. In the 1920s
and 1930s, radio navigation systems were developed, such as the Radio Direction
Finding (RDF) and the Very High-Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR), which
allowed pilots to navigate more accurately.
The introduction of radar during World War II revolutionized
aviation. It enabled aircraft to detect other aircraft and ground obstacles,
even in low visibility conditions. After the war, the aviation industry
continued to invest in avionics, and new technologies were developed, such as
the Automatic Direction Finder (ADF), Distance Measuring Equipment (DME), and
the Inertial Navigation System (INS).
In the 1980s, the Global Positioning System (GPS) was
introduced, which made navigation even more precise and reliable. Today,
avionics technology continues to advance rapidly, with new developments such as
synthetic vision systems, satellite-based communication systems, and more.
Applications of
Avionics
Avionics has many applications in aviation. Some of the most
critical systems include:
- Flight management systems: These systems help pilots plan
and navigate their flights, taking into account factors such as weather
conditions, fuel consumption, and air traffic control.
- Communications systems: These systems allow pilots to
communicate with air traffic control and other aircraft. They include radios,
satellite phones, and text messaging systems.
- Navigation systems: These systems help pilots determine
their position and navigate to their destination. They include GPS, VOR, and
INS.
- Weather monitoring systems: These systems provide pilots
with real-time weather information, including temperature, wind speed, and
precipitation.
- Flight control systems: These systems help pilots control
the aircraft, including the autopilot system and the flight control surfaces.
The Impact of
Avionics on Aviation
Avionics has had a profound impact on aviation, improving
safety, efficiency, and comfort. Some of the ways avionics has impacted
aviation include:
- Improved safety: Avionics systems such as radar, GPS, and
weather monitoring systems have significantly improved flight safety. Pilots
can detect and avoid obstacles more easily, and they have access to real-time
weather information to help them make better decisions.
- Increased efficiency: Flight management systems and other
avionics technologies have made flying more efficient by optimizing routes,
reducing fuel consumption, and improving scheduling.
- Enhanced comfort: Modern avionics systems, such as in-flight
entertainment systems, provide passengers with a more comfortable and enjoyable
flying experience.
Dynamics of Avionics Market
Drivers in Avionics
Market
The avionics market is currently experiencing a surge in
demand, driven by the increasing adoption of sophisticated flight management
systems by aircraft OEMs. In recent years, aircraft manufacturers have been
shifting towards a new connected and digital avionics design, with integrated
systems having smaller modular form factors. This trend is not limited to
military and commercial aviation, as evidenced by the increasing number of new
avionics products launched by OEMs for general aviation platforms, particularly
for light aircraft and business jets.
Honeywell has been a pioneer in the development of
next-generation flight management systems (NG FMS), which have been optimized
for future Air Traffic Management functionality, leading to improved fuel
efficiency, reduced operating costs, reduced pilot workload, and improved
safety. The NG FMS has been designed in a way that allows it to run the same
core functionality on multiple platforms, paving the way for its integration
into upcoming models of business jets and light aircraft.
The need to enhance the operational reliability of flight
management systems in dense traffic areas has also led to extensive research
and development. Thales, for example, has been working closely with ATR on new
cockpit systems, including a modular avionics architecture that features a new
cockpit equipped with five large LCD screens, an FMS, and a latest-generation
autopilot.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has
predicted that by 2035, both passenger and freight traffic will have doubled.
The rise in the use of low-cost airlines, rising disposable income, and
increasing population density are contributing to an increase in passengers
globally. This has resulted in more deliveries of commercial aircraft, leading
to the adoption of modern avionics to increase operational safety and fuel
efficiency while reducing operating costs.
Flight management systems are critical components of an
aircraft's hardware, supporting the operational cohesion of key aircraft
components involved in a flight from take-off to landing. These systems
pre-program an aircraft's travel route, ensuring accuracy and punctuality.
Therefore, the predicted rise in the integration of flight management systems
in commercial and military aircraft will be a key driver propelling the global
avionics market over the forecast period.
Restraints in
Avionics Market
The retrofitting of avionics systems can provide a
cost-effective way for airlines to enhance the performance of their existing
aircraft and extend their lifespan. This has created an opportunity for
avionics manufacturers to collaborate with aviation service companies to
integrate and install these systems to meet the demands of modern aviation.
Furthermore, the increasing use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in various
industries and the rapid growth of the commercial space industry also present
opportunities for avionics companies to develop and supply the necessary
control and communication systems for these vehicles.
Opportunities in
Avionics Market
The aviation industry is heavily regulated, with a focus on
safety and efficiency. As such, companies that can develop advanced avionics
systems that improve safety and efficiency, such as collision avoidance systems
and automated flight control systems, have a significant opportunity to thrive
in this market. The demand for modern avionics systems is expected to continue
to grow as airlines and other operators seek to modernize their fleets, which
presents an opportunity for avionics manufacturers to develop and supply these
systems.
Challenges in
Avionics Market
The proper usage of modern avionics systems requires
extensive pilot training due to the high level of system complexity. These
systems consist of several subsystems that collect data from embedded sensors,
which is then displayed to the pilot through various onboard display systems.
However, these displays can be vulnerable to signal errors and are complex,
which can negatively impact situational awareness and increase pilot workload.
Pilots must manage multiple goals, tasks, and make quick decisions, leading to
instances of confusion with computer-generated messages. The Aero Peru Flight
603 incident is an example of this, where contradictory messages and inoperable
instruments caused a mid-air collision.
Despite extensive training procedures implemented by
airlines, the potential for computational errors and system malfunctions
remains high in certain cases. The US National Transport Safety Board has
recommended six measures to the Federal Aviation Administration regarding pilot
training. These include testing pilots on their knowledge of avionics
operations and malfunctions, as well as developing new guidance material for
the new generation of avionics simulators. These measures aim to enhance pilot
training and ensure proper usage of modern avionics systems.
Ecosystem of Avionics Market
In the avionics market ecosystem, key stakeholders include
prominent avionics companies, private and small enterprises,
distributors/suppliers/retailers, and end customers such as airlines, air
forces, and MROs. Influencers in the market include investors, funders,
academic researchers, distributors, service providers, and defence procurement
authorities. The navigation segment is expected to hold the largest share of
the avionics market during the forecast period. The avionics market is
segmented by application, platform, and fit. The navigation segment is expected
to lead the avionics market due to major airline players enhancing their
existing aircraft fleet with the latest electronic equipment for better safety
and fuel efficiency. The military segment registered the largest market share
in terms of revenue during the forecast period, as rising defense budgets of
military superpowers like the U.S., China, and Russia are expected to increase
demand for military aircraft. Line-fit is expected to account for the largest
share during the forecast period as a large part of the older generation light
aircraft did not have the necessary wiring and electrical design for avionics
upgrade, limiting the number of aircraft with provisions for avionics
installation in the active fleet.
The global avionics market is categorized into several
segments, including power and data management, communication, navigation,
flight management, weather detection, and electric flight display, based on the
system. According to market projections, the navigation segment demonstrated
the most substantial revenue during the forecast period.
Air navigation pertains to the determination of a plane's
position and direction on or above the Earth's surface. Avionics allows the use
of Inertial Navigation Systems (INS), satellite navigation systems (such as GPS
and WAAS), ground-based radio navigation systems (such as VOR or LORAN), or a
combination of these to achieve this. With GPS, for instance, the flight crew receives
position information automatically and via moving map displays.
Modern airplane navigation systems are comprised of numerous
components, including magnetic field detectors, inertial navigation systems,
and distance measuring apparatus. Basic navigational aids come standard even on
small Visual Flight Rule (VFR) planes. In contrast, more sophisticated
instruments and an instrument landing system are necessary for larger
airliners.
It's worth noting that navigation is not limited to air
travel. Aircraft on the ground also utilize information from equipment and
other possible references to navigate during taxiing from the runway to the
gate or other ground activities. As a result, the significance of systems that
assist pilots with navigational tasks cannot be overstated.
The global avionics market can be segmented based on end-use
into two categories: OEM and aftermarket. During the forecast period, the OEM
segment is expected to hold the largest market share in terms of revenue. OEMs
are in a significant position as they have complete control over the asset from
design to manufacture and operating data, enabling them to modify the original
maintenance plan based on data analysis. By collecting sufficient reliability
data, OEMs can analyze performance and eliminate the requirement for
unnecessary maintenance labor. The growth of the OEM segment is attributed to
the increase in global deliveries of business jets and military aircraft.
Moreover, the market is anticipated to expand due to ongoing R&D initiatives
aimed at developing technologically advanced aviation computer components.
Regional Insights
During the forecast period, the North American market is
expected to have the largest revenue share, driven by an increasing demand for
advanced avionics systems in both military and commercial applications. The
need for specialized avionics systems for military fighter jets, which are
becoming increasingly sophisticated, is expected to fuel market growth. The
United States is expected to dominate the region due to rising air travel,
growing cargo importance, and increasing aircraft deliveries domestically. The
market is also supported by strict regulations on aviation safety and an
increase in MRO activities in the country.
In the Asia Pacific market, rapid revenue growth is
anticipated due to significant advancements in aircraft navigation and
communication systems, which are expected to prompt various militaries to
modernize their avionics to ensure combat readiness. China is expected to lead
the market with high CAGR growth as the country has a sizable number of airline
operators seeking to expand their fleet and acquire new aircraft. For instance,
China Southern Airlines plans to double its current number of aircraft to 2,000
by 2035. Additionally, the Chinese aerospace company COMAC is currently
building the C919 narrow-body aircraft to compete with Airbus and Boeing.
In Europe, the avionics market is expected to register a
moderate revenue growth rate over the forecast period. The development and
integration of advanced avionic suites onboard aircraft (both linefit and
retrofit) is expected to spur market growth in the region. The demand for
avionics is also projected to rise due to planned purchases and deliveries of
commercial aircraft by major airlines in the region to accommodate rising
passenger traffic. Furthermore, the demand for military and private aviation
aircraft is expected to support market expansion.
Dominating Companies in Avionics Market
- RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
- CURTISS-WRIGHT CORPORATION
- HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
- L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES INC.
- GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
- SAFRAN SA
- BAE SYSTEMS PLC
- MOOG INC.
- MEGGITT PLC
- GARMIN LTD.
- CMC ELECTRONICS INC.
- CHELTON LTD.
- ASTRONAUTICS CORPORATION OF AMERICA
- UAVIONIX CORPORATION
- NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
- UNIVERSAL AVIONICS SYSTEMS CORPORATION
- AVIDYNE CORPORATION
- ASPEN AVIONICS INC.
- DYNON AVIONICS INC.
- MGL AVIONICS
- SUZHOU CHANGFENG INSTRUMENTS CO., LTD.
- KANARDIA D.O.O.
- TALOS AVIONICS P.C.
- GRT AVIONICS
- TASKEM CORPORATION
- AVMAP S.R.L
Recent Developments in Avionics Market
- Honeywell Acquisition of TruTrak Flight Systems (2020):
Honeywell Aerospace, a global provider of aircraft avionics, announced its
acquisition of TruTrak Flight Systems, a manufacturer of autopilots for
certified and experimental aircraft. The acquisition is part of Honeywell's
strategy to expand its capabilities in the general aviation market.
- L3Harris Technologies Merger (2019): L3 Technologies and
Harris Corporation, two leading defense contractors, merged to form L3Harris
Technologies. The merger created a top 10 defense company with a broad
portfolio of avionics, communication, and electronic warfare products and
services.
- In 2020, Raytheon Technologies completed the merger of
Raytheon Company and United Technologies Corporation (UTC), creating one of the
largest aerospace and defense companies in the world. The new company, named
Raytheon Technologies, includes Collins Aerospace, which is a leading provider
of avionics and communications systems.
- In 2019, Collins Aerospace signed a strategic agreement with
Boom Supersonic to develop the avionics system for its Overture supersonic
commercial airliner. The partnership will help Boom Supersonic to bring its
Mach-2.2 airliner to market, which is expected to reduce transoceanic travel
times by half.
- In 2019, BAE Systems acquired Collins Aerospace's military
Global Positioning System (GPS) business. The acquisition has enabled BAE
Systems to expand its GPS offerings for military applications, including its
next-generation Military Code (M-Code) GPS technology.
- In 2018, Rockwell Collins was acquired by United
Technologies Corporation (UTC). The acquisition has enabled UTC to expand its
presence in the aerospace industry, particularly in the avionics market.
- In 2018, Garmin acquired Flight Plan LLC, a leading provider
of flight planning, scheduling, and tracking services for corporate and private
aircraft operators. The acquisition has enabled Garmin to expand its aviation
services offerings.
- In 2018, Safran Electronics & Defense signed a
partnership agreement with Airbus to develop and supply the inertial
measurement unit for the new Airbus A320neo airliner. The partnership has
enabled Safran to strengthen its position in the commercial avionics market.
- Garmin and Embraer Partnership (2019): Garmin, a leading
provider of avionics, and Embraer, a Brazilian aircraft manufacturer, announced
a partnership to develop a new avionics suite for Embraer's Phenom 300E
business jet. The suite includes Garmin's G3000 touchscreen avionics, which
provide pilots with enhanced situational awareness and safety features.
- Collins Aerospace Acquisition of FlightAware (2018): Collins
Aerospace, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation, acquired
FlightAware, a global flight tracking and data analysis company. The
acquisition enables Collins Aerospace to integrate FlightAware's real-time
flight tracking data into its avionics products, improving safety and
efficiency for airlines and air traffic controllers.
- Thales Acquisition of Gemalto (2018): Thales, a global
leader in aerospace, defense, and security, acquired Gemalto, a digital
security company. The acquisition enhances Thales' capabilities in digital
identity and security, which are increasingly important for avionics systems
and data protection.
Avionics has come a long way since its early days, and it
continues to evolve rapidly. The technology has had a significant impact on
aviation, improving safety, efficiency, and comfort. With new developments such
as synthetic vision systems and satellite-based communication systems, avionics
will continue to shape the future of aviation for many years to come.
1.
Research Sources
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detailed and related research methodology focussed on estimating the market
size and forecasted value for the given market. Comprehensive research
objectives and scope were obtained through secondary research of the parent and
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segments and sub-segments.
Research Methodology
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